For the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Cuban jails; for respect for the exercise, promotion and defense of human rights anywhere in the world; for the honor and courage of Orlando Zapata Tamayo, unjustly incarcerated and brutally tortured in Castro’s prisons, who died while on a hunger strike denouncing these crimes and the lack of rights and democracy in his country; for respect for the life of those who risk death such as Zapata Tamayo to prevent Fidel and Raúl Castro’s government from vanquishing their critics and peaceful opponents by sentencing them to up to 28 years in prison for “crimes” of opinion; for respect for the physical and moral integrity of each person; we sign this letter and invite to sign it all those who have chosen to defend their freedom and the freedom of others.

Amnesty International

The human rights organization is using the seventh anniversary of the “Black Spring” (March 18) to urge the Cuban government to release political prisoners.

AI is also suggesting that the Cuban government to change laws that restrict fundamental freedoms such as the law that allows police to arrest a person who simply may be deemed to have a tendency to be “dangerous” in the future. Dangerous can have a very wide meaning in Cuba.

The communist government argues that the dissidents are being manipulated by opponents of Cuba including the US government, and has rejected demands for the release of 53 prisoners.